Objective:

Students will model a chemical reaction and use computational thinking to demonstrate how atoms are conserved during the reaction. They will simulate the process of analyzing and interpreting data without using digital tools, while discussing the potential benefits and trade-offs of using technology for similar tasks.

Materials Needed:

• Colored beads, or paper cut-outs to represent different atoms

• Large sheets of paper for group models

• Worksheets to record reactions

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Introduce the topic by discussing chemical reactions, emphasizing the law of conservation of mass. 

  • Ask students to think about how chemists might represent and track atoms in reactions, both manually and with the aid of computers.

• Group Activity: 

  • In groups, students choose a chemical reaction and create models using beads or paper to represent different atoms. They use computational thinking to break down the reaction, representing the atoms in reactants and products.

• Develop Rules (Algorithms): 

  • Students write step-by-step instructions (similar to algorithms) for how the atoms should rearrange in their model to satisfy the law of conservation of mass.

• Presentation and Discussion: 

  • Students present their models and algorithms. 

  • The class discusses the benefits of manual modeling and reflects on how computers might misrepresent or simplify these reactions.

Equity and Access:

Provide different levels of atom models (from simple to complex reactions) to ensure all students can participate meaningfully. Group students with varied strengths together to promote peer learning.

Real-World Application: 

Discuss how scientists use computer simulations in real-world labs to predict chemical reactions and track the movement of atoms. Explore the trade-offs of using such technology—how it saves time but may require human oversight to catch errors or simplify complex data.

CS Practice(s):

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students break down the steps of a chemical reaction into simpler parts, identifying how atoms rearrange.

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students create rules (algorithms) to explain their reactions and think about how digital simulations would manage similar tasks.

Standard(s):

• CA NGSS MS-PS1-5

• CA CS 6-8.IC.20

Objective:

Students will use p5.js, pencil code, scratch, or another web editor or coding platform to create and modify a digital simulation of a chemical reaction, demonstrating how computational models can represent real-world chemical reactions. They will analyze how changing variables (such as temperature or substance concentration) impacts the reaction and consider how technology can both aid and misinterpret data in scientific analysis.

Materials Needed:

• Computers or tablets 

• Pre-written code for basic chemical reaction models (optional)

• Worksheets to plan and record variables

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Begin by discussing how chemical reactions are tracked in laboratories using computers. 

  • Introduce a web editor or coding platform as a tool to simulate these reactions digitally. 

  • Show an example simulation of a simple reaction (e.g., burning sugar) and explain the different variables involved.

• Guided Coding: 

  • Provide students with pre-written code for a basic chemical reaction simulation if needed. 

  • Walk through how the code represents atoms and reactions. 

  • Students then customize the simulation by adjusting variables like temperature and concentration.

• Testing and Modifying: 

  • Students run their simulations, observing how changing the variables alters the outcome of the reaction. 

  • They use computational thinking to iteratively adjust their code for accuracy and efficiency.

• Reflection and Discussion: 

  • Lead a class discussion on the limitations of simulations. 

  • Students share how their changes impacted the reaction and discuss when simulations might fail to capture the nuances of real chemical processes. 

  • Reflect on the trade-offs between speed, accuracy, and human oversight in digital models.

Equity and Access:

Offer differentiated support with tutorials for those unfamiliar with coding. Provide more advanced challenges for students who finish early. Ensure group collaboration allows for peer support.

Real-World Application: 

Connect the activity to real-world chemical engineering, where simulations are used to predict reactions. Emphasize how these tools can save time and resources, but require careful monitoring to avoid misinterpretations or errors.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students create digital simulations of chemical reactions, learning to adjust and test their code.

• Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts: Students iteratively modify their simulations based on variable changes, reflecting on the results.

Standard(s):

• CA NGSS MS-PS1-6

• CA CS 6-8.DA.9

• CA CS 6-8.IC.20